Canyon’s Aeroad CF SLX 8.0 Disc is a do-it-all, aerodynamic model aimed at racing and long days in the saddle. Built around a stout frame with aero shaping, it’s both fast and comfortable. At $3,899, it’s also a relative bargain.

Canyon, a German direct-to-consumer brand that recently entered the US market, sells bikes through its website, which allows it to offer models similarly spec’d to the competition at lower prices. Shipping and tax (depending on where you live) are on you, as is assembly (which usually involves only having to install the wheels and handlebar). Of course, this cuts out your local shop for service, but Canyon offers mobile repair and delivery via Velofix. Every Canyon we’ve tested, however, has been high quality, well-tuned, and easy to assemble.

Disc and Rim, Women’s and Men’s

The Aeroad is available in both disc- and rim-brake models, in both women’s and men’s versions, and share the same geometry and size range. Prices start at $3,499 for the Ultegra-equipped Aeroad CF SLX 8.0 and top out at $9,000 for the rim-brake Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 LTD with Dura-Ace Di2 and Zipp 454 NSW wheels.

Aero Everywhere

A carbon fairing shields the rear wheel from the wind; a hidden binder bolt aids in the frame’s clean lines.

Powerful Stoppers

Disc brakes offer power and control with minimal maintenance and still retain good aerodynamics.

Kamm Tail Shaping

To really cut the wind, Canyon uses a truncated airfoil design on most of the bike’s tubes.

Shimano’s Ultegra components are an almost identical copy of pricier Dura-Ace—and work just as well.

High Value, Low Cost

At $3,899 the Aeroad CF SLX 8.0 Disc is a relative bargain. It’s outfitted with Shimano’s latest Ultegra mechanical-shifting components with a recreational rider–friendly 11-28t cassette and 36/52 chainrings. The star of the show, especially given the price, is the Reynolds Strike SLG Carbon tubeless-compatible wheelset (a modern, 64mm-deep wheel that cuts the wind well and exhibits little in the way of buffeting from crosswinds). The result is a well-rounded, comfortable, and affordable package.

Trevor Raab

Wind-Cheating Frame with an Exciting Ride

From the massive aero down tube to the sculpted cowl-like shaping of the seat tube shielding the rear wheel, the Canyon Aeroad oozes speed. But, like all the Canyon road bikes we’ve tested, the Aeroad is no one-trick pony. It’s comfortable, too, with a sharp ride and uncanny ability to mute all but the roughest roads.

Often aerodynamics comes at the expense of comfort. Large tube shapes can lead to a harsh ride feel and overly stiff demeanor. The Aeroad isn’t either of those things. Even rolling on a decidedly passé 23mm front tire and more current 25mm rear, the Aeroad has a slinky ride that belies its slippery nature. Bumps and rough roads are muted, and the handling falls to the neutral range of the spectrum. It’s by no means soft, just comfortable and efficient for all-day hauls and lively in race and fast group-ride situations.

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